torrential

adjective

tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
1
a
: relating to or having the character of a torrent
torrential rains
b
: caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrential gravel
2
: resembling a torrent in violence or rapidity of flow
torrentially
tȯ-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē
tə- How to pronounce torrential (audio)
adverb

Examples of torrential in a Sentence

The rain caused torrential flooding.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Any slow-moving thunderstorms with torrential rain could also trigger areas of flash flooding where the heaviest rain develops. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 2026 Thunder and torrential rain just before Holy Communion forced the ceremony to pause, sending those without umbrellas or ponchos seeking shelter beneath tents. Noah Labelle, NPR, 2 July 2026 The city says the leak is the result of two sewage breaks following torrential rain on Friday. Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Still called Vargas at the time, the state went through one of its most tragic moments in December 1999, when a landslide caused by torrential rains led to the death and disappearance of thousands of people. Uriel Blanco, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for torrential

Word History

Etymology

torrent entry 1 + -ial

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of torrential was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Torrential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torrential. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

torrential

adjective
tor·​ren·​tial tȯ-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce torrential (audio)
tə-
: relating to or resembling a torrent
torrential rains
torrentially adverb

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